Flipping the classroom:

This concept is where students go over the lecture/material before class then spend the class period working on problems or doing activities with the guidance of the instructor.

I think that flipping the classroom is not a revolutionary idea, but rather labeling a technique that is commonly incorporated into many classrooms and making some optimization. I think that most undergraduate students wouldn't openly accept the concept that they are responsible for their own learning. Some of the most common questions that students ask are if they need to study from the book or from the lecture material. I think that if they had to do both before coming to class every meeting period the class would be met with animosity. Essentially I believe that it will enhance the experience of the students who don't need special attention while having a potential negative impact on the majority.

Facebook:

In class we discussed using Facebook as a classroom management system as opposed to software such as blackboard or ELC. There seem to be some obvious benefits to using a social media such as facebook. First, most students are already using facebook for personal reasons so presumably students would be more likely to receive class related messages. Second, it provides a more approachable atmosphere to facilitate classroom discussion. Traditional CMS platforms seem very rigid on this aspect.

The whole point of CMS software is to be like Walmart...a one stop shopping location for all classroom needs. Facebook's main downfall is the overwhelming amount of distraction clouding the few features that would be beneficial to teaching. Moreover, it is hard enough to communicate with students and faculty through the multitude of email addresses both parties have without throwing facebook into the mix. At least with e-mail and ELC you more often than not receive articulated thoughts.

Maybe I am a negative Nancy.

An out of date photo of my Fishtank: Deal with it!